Spanish for Kids by Kids

Name: Spanish for Kids by Kids
Brand: Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids

by Foreign Languages for Kids by Kids

Foreign_languageGrades Pre-K–8

Spanish for Kids by Kids: Conversational Video-Based Program for Young Learners

Spanish for Kids by Kids is an eight-level conversational program using child actors in video skits to teach basic Spanish vocabulary and phrases to students from preschool through junior high. The curriculum features an immersion approach with all-Spanish conversations supported by workbooks, flashcards, games, and cultural content.

Best for

Homeschooling families and elementary teachers seeking an engaging introductory Spanish program for young learners, particularly those with no prior Spanish knowledge who prefer multimedia approaches

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 3 concerns · 2 neutral

Teacher TrainingStrength

Teacher guides provide detailed lesson plans and vocabulary lists to support parents and teachers with no Spanish background.

Optional teacher guides include vocabulary lists for easy reference and detailed lesson plans incorporating videos, workbooks, and hands-on activities

Comprehensible InputStrength

The program provides substantial comprehensible input through professionally produced videos where children speak slowly and clearly in Spanish with visual context clues.

Videos feature interconnected skits with repeated vocabulary in different contexts, words overlaid on screen for visual reinforcement, and children speaking more slowly than normal Spanish speakers

Explicit GrammarConcern

Grammar instruction is minimal and relegated to brief explanations in workbooks rather than systematic teaching.

The first-level workbook explains masculine and feminine nouns and articles, with accent marks mentioned in comics, but the program uses primarily a conversational approach

Direct InstructionConcern

The program lacks systematic direct instruction, relying instead on an immersion approach through video exposure.

All conversations are in Spanish with vocabulary emphasized through context and repetition rather than explicit teaching, designed for students and parents with no prior Spanish knowledge

Speaking Listening BalanceConcern

The curriculum heavily emphasizes listening comprehension through videos but lacks structured speaking practice opportunities for students.

Primary instruction comes from video conversations students watch, with some interactive elements through games and activities, but no clear speaking practice framework

Cultural KnowledgeNeutral

Cultural education is included through dedicated workbook sections covering Spanish-speaking countries like Peru and Colombia.

Each workbook contains a Culture & Geography section teaching about different Spanish-speaking countries, though these sections have no interactive activities

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

Some retrieval practice is built in through flashcards, games, and workbook activities, though not systematically implemented.

Cards for Kids by Kids provide vocabulary flashcards, games like ¡Listo! and Dice Off™ reinforce vocabulary, and rapid visual reviews conclude video segments

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com